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BlackMax® Drainage Pipes and Fittings

BlackMax® is Australia’s original large-bore structured wall polypropylene (PP) twin-wall pipe system, designed for stormwater and non-pressurised gravity drainage. Lightweight yet strong, BlackMax combines a smooth inner bore with a corrugated outer wall for hydraulic efficiency and structural integrity.

BlackMax is recognised for its durability and low-cost benefits compared with traditional drainage pipes and culverts. Manufactured from polypropylene, BlackMax® drainage pipes are resistant to corrosive and aggressive ground conditions, resulting in years of corrosion free service.

Contact us for a quick and easy quote on any item within the BlackMax® range.

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Our BlackMax® Drainage Pipes and Fittings range

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Applications

Applications

BlackMax is a structured wall polypropylene pipe system designed for non-pressurised gravity drainage systems. The BlackMax stormwater drainage range includes high-quality fittings, couplings and adaptors; enabling versatility and adaptability during installation.

Iplex BlackMax pipes and fittings offer effective drainage solutions and are suitable for installation in the following applications:

  • Stormwater drainage pipelines
  • Road culverts
  • Gravity sewer mains
  • Low head irrigation
  • Rehabilitation (as liner pipe)
  • Ventilation ducts
  • Leachate collection
  • Stormwater retention systems
  • Estuarine and ocean outfalls

BlackMax Pipes and Fittings - Available Up to DN1200

Watch this video to understand the key features, benefits and points of difference that set BlackMax apart.

  

BlackMax® Technical Guide

Advantages

Throughout Australia, BlackMax drainage pipes and fittings have been chosen as the stormwater drainage product of choice because of its unique characteristics and cost effective benefits during installation.

BlackMax Features & Benefits

  • Durable & Impact Resistant: BlackMax’s tough polypropylene construction resists damage during transport and handling.
  • Abrasion & Corrosion Resistant: Performs in aggressive soils, acid sulphate conditions saline groundwater and is resistant to root intrusion.
  • Secure Rubber Ring Joint: Designed for ease of assembly and jointing, pipes can be cut to length on site and rejoined.
  • Proven Inground Performance: Tolerates soil movement and deformation without structural damage.
  • Smooth Bore: Resists scale and sediment build-up; ensuring excellent hydraulic performance and the potential for reduced grades to accomplish a given flow.
  • Lightweight: Easy to manoeuvre and install by hand or with light lifting equipment, can result in improved site efficiency and lower installation costs.
  • Extensive Range of Fittings: Available in numerous sizes with PVC or PP options, plus repair and jointing clamps for complete system solutions and fast, durable fixes.
  • Custom Fitting Configurations: Custom fittings available upon request, supported by separate couplings to meet unique project requirements.

BlackMax pipes are engineered for strength, reliability, and ease of installation, performing well even in challenging conditions. Their versatile fittings and sustainable design make them a durable, long-term solution for drainage and sewer systems.

Material Options

Material Options

Mechanical Properties

Property Value & Unit
Density 900 kg/m³
Design Stress 17.5 MPa
Ultimate Tensile Strength 31.0 MPa
Ring Bending Modulus 1300 MPa
Tensile Modulus 3000 MPa
Poisson’s Ratio 0.45

Thermal Properties

Property Value & Unit
Max Continuous Service Temperature 50°C
Specific Heat 1045 J/kg.K
Thermal Conductivity 0.138 – 0.150 W/m.K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 7 x 10-5 / °C
Vicat Softening Temperature >79°C

Chemical Resistance

Polypropylene drainage pipes are inherently resistant to a wide range of chemicals such as acids, alkalis, salts, wetting agents and alcohols.

Polypropylene is swollen and softened by halogenated solvents (for example, trichlorethylene) and hydro-carbon solvents such as xylene and benzene. However, the effect is not immediate and the occasional contact with solvents such as petrol or diesel is acceptable for PP pipes used for drainage and sewerage applications.

SBR seals are also resistant to a wide range of chemicals such as salt solutions, alkalis, glycols and some alcohols. SBR is swollen by a number of organic solvents, however, the seals are encapsulated in the pipe profile and to a large extent, isolated from the contents of the pipe. As only a small part of the seal surface is in contact with liquid in the pipeline, any occasional spillages or illegal dumping of chemicals should have a minimal effect.

Product Details

Product Details

Standards and Approvals

Iplex BlackMax® pipes and fittings are manufactured to the Australian Product Standard under third-party accredited quality assurance system conforming to ISO 9001.

BlackMax® pipes have ISO Type 5 third-party StandardsMark™ Certification, License number SMKP20603; in accordance with AS/NZS 5065 “Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) pipes and fittings for drainage and sewerage applications”.

BlackMax® pipes and fittings have been appraised by Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) for performance compliance with AS/NZS 5065 (WSAA Appraisal 03/05).

View Iplex Product Certifications

Environmental Credentials

Iplex have published verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) on our range of Polypropylene pipes. EPDs are third-party certified documents based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 Standards that communicate transparent and comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of a product or service. Specifically, product declarations include information on the environmental impact of raw material acquisition, energy use and efficiency, the composition of materials and chemical substances, emissions to air, soil and water and waste generation.

View Iplex’s BackMax® and SewerMax® polypropylene drainage pipes EPD

BlackMax® Pipe Dimensions

BlackMax® pipes are available in diameters ranging from DN225 through to DN1200 in SN8*.

*DN1000 coming soon.


Iplex BlackMax Product Range Dimensions Jan 25

BlackMax® Stormwater Drainage Fittings Range

We have a wide range of standard fittings for BlackMax® drainage and culvert pipes, including bends, tees, junctions, closed ends, couplings, plugs, reducers, saddles and adaptors. These drainage pipe fittings are manufactured for use with BlackMax® and SewerMax® pipes. Fittings can be fabricated from BlackMax® or SewerMax® pipe sections, PVC pipe sections, GRP / PVC and GRP / VC composite materials.

BlackMax® drainage pipe fittings in sizes DN225, DN300 and DN375 are generally fabricated from PVC pipe sections with moulded socketed ends for connection to BlackMax® pipe spigots. The use of PVC in these sizes provides improved manufacturing efficiencies and reduced costs compared with the PP fabrication process. The PVC BlackMax® range of fittings complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1260: “PVC-U pipes and fittings for drain waste and vent applications”.

BlackMax® stormwater drainage fittings in sizes DN450, DN525 and DN600 are fabricated from BlackMax® (PP) pipe sections and are generally supplied with socketed ends suitable for rubber ring jointing. Other configurations, such as all spigot ends, are also available on request with separate pipe couplings for jointing. DN100 and DN150 components are supplied with either PVC (RRJ or SWJ sockets) or standard solid wall polypropylene plain-ended spigots (110mm OD) and (160mm OD), allowing lateral side connections such as property branch connections. BlackMax® (PP) fittings comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS5065 “Polyethylene and polypropylene pipes & fittings for drainage and sewerage applications”.

GRP, GRP/PVC and GRP/VC composite fittings are manufactured specifically for use with SewerMax® pipes with socketed ends for connection to SewerMax® pipe spigots. GRP fittings are also available with PVC or VC socket or spigot ends for lateral connections to incoming PVC or VC sewer pipes. GRP SewerMax® fittings comply with Australian Standard Revision AS3571 “Glass reinforced thermosetting plastics (GRP) pipes – Polyester based – Water supply, sewerage and drainage applications”.

To view the full range of fittings and dimensions please view the BlackMax® and SewerMax® product range.

Design

BlackMax® Pipeline Design Hydraulic

BlackMax® pipelines fall into the smooth polymer pipe category of AS2200 “Design charts for water supply and sewerage’’ and provide exceptionally good hydraulic performance. However, these may in some instances be affected by various adverse service factors including:

  • Growth of slime (varies with the age of the pipeline and available nutrient in the water)
  • Siltation or settlement of suspended particulate matter
  • Fitting types and configurations

For comprehensive details on hydraulic design, please refer to the BlackMax Technical Guide

BlackMax® Pipeline Design Structural

In engineering terminology, BlackMax pipes are flexible pipes. They are designed to deform or deflect diametrically within
specified limits without structural damage after installation.

External soil and live loads on buried flexible pipes will cause a small decrease in vertical diameter and simultaneously an
increase in the horizontal diameter. The horizontal movement of the pipe walls into the soil material at the sides develops a
passive resistance within the soil to support the external load. The soil type and density and height of water table (if present),
all influence structural performance. The greater the effective soil modulus, the less the pipe will deflect and structural stability
against buckling is also enhanced.

Refer to the BlackMax Technical Guide for detailed information on appropriate structural design methods.

Handling & Storage

Handling & Storage

Although BlackMax pipes are notably resistant to impact, they should not be rolled, dropped, thrown or allowed to come into contact with sharp objects likely to cause damage.

  • When pipes are unloaded for storage they should be kept in their packs until required.
  • Storage site should be level and free of obstructions.
  • If pipes are not crated, they should be placed on horizontal supporting timbers at approximately 2 metre centres.
  • These timbers can also be used to separate layers when pipes are stacked individually.
  • Stack heights should be limited to prevent excessive ovalisation.
  • Sockets should be protected from distortion during storage by ensuring all of the sockets are placed at alternate ends and protruding from the stack.

For complete guidelines on handling and storing BlackMax pipes and fittings, refer to the BlackMax Technical Guide.

Installation & Testing

Installation & Testing

BlackMax® are flexible pipes designed for controlled deflection under vertical soil loads. These loads are then transferred to the soil in the side support zone. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 2566.2 “Buried flexible pipelines -Part 2 Installation” provides detailed information on appropriate methods for ensuring the side support zone in particular is correctly constructed.

The most critical aspect for the successful installation of these pipes is the selection and compaction of the embedment, i.e. the material in contact with the pipe. Embedment material should be of a granular nature, which is readily compactable. Crushed rock, aggregate and graded sand are commonly used but occasionally native soils, (eg. beach and mallee sand) may also be suitable provided they are free flowing and readily compacted.
Appendices G and H of AS/NZS 2566.2 provide extensive guidance on the selection and use of a wide range of embedment materials.

See the BlackMax Technical Guide for full installation instructions.

FAQ

Are BlackMax® drainage products suitable for above ground applications?

Yes, provided the pipe is adequately supported along its entire length and at each socket joint.

Why are BlackMax® drainage pipes and fittings yellow on the inside?

The yellow inner liner of the tubes allow for ease of visual inspection during installation and commissioning.

How long will BlackMax® pipe last?

Based on the performance requirements of the standard and general national and international knowledge of Polypropylene as a pipeline material, BlackMax® is expected to exceed 100 years before major rehabilitation, provided the design, installation, testing and commissioning are in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, WSA 02 Sewerage code or agency requirements.

How deep can you bury BlackMax®?

BlackMax® pipes have a relatively high pipe stiffness of not less than 8000N/m.m, classified, as SN8 and are suitable for cover heights of 2 to 10 metres. A full structural analysis to AS/NZS 2566.1 should be completed to confirm suitability.

Can BlackMax® drainage pipes be used under a road, if so what cover does it require?

Yes. BlackMax® is adequate for AUSTROADS highway loadings 600mm of cover is required as a minimum under sealed roads and 750mm of cover under unsealed roads. However this can vary with the regulatory authority and a full structural analysis to AS/NZS 2566.1 should be completed to confirm suitability.

What sizes are BlackMax® pipes available in?

BlackMax® pipes are manufactured in Diameters, DN225, DN300, DN375, DN450, DN525 and DN600.

How do I join BlackMax® pipes?

Both BlackMax® pipes and fittings are manufactured with a spigot and socket rubber ring jointing system.

Is BlackMax® ribbed inside?

No. The inner wall is a smooth liner, providing excellent hydraulic performance.

How do you connect BlackMax® to head walls or Manholes?

BlackMax® pipes can be directly cast into concrete maintenance holes, pits or other concrete structures. Refer to the installation guidelines for further information.


Iplex BlackMAX® Installation

What about jetting and root cutters to clean the lines. Can BlackMax® be water jet cleaned?

Yes, provided appropriate methods are used. For complete information, refer to PIPA Guideline, POP205.

What types of fittings are available for BlackMax® pipe?

A full range of standard fittings, including bends, tees, junctions, closed ends, couplings, plugs, reducers, saddles and adaptors are available providing a complete pipeline system.

Why use a corrugated hdpe drainage pipe for culverts and drainage?

Corrugated high density polyethylene and pvc are ideal in situations where flexibility, durability and stength are all important attributes. The flexibility of corrugated hdpe piping is useful for a wider variety of uses compared to rigid, non-corrugated pipe options.

Case Studies

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